Paper Bag Album Tutorial

Hello friends!  Hope you're having a wonderful day as you get into the swing of this new year.

I've gotten a few requests for a paper bag album tutorial so that is the focus of today's post.  I want you to know that I always read every single comment and take note of the requests.  I try to respond to what you're asking for, it just may take me a bit, but I'll always try to share what you're looking for!  So keep those requests coming.

Now, for the tutorial:

I started with some simple flat style paper bags.  I requested them from a retailer I frequent and recommend you might try the same.  Always offer to pay for them as they cost the retailer.  In my case, I was blessed and they were 'donated' to my cause, but it wasn't what I was expecting.

The bags I chose were 8.25 inches by 5 inches and had the serrated edges on them.  I wanted to retain that look, so rather than cut the serrated edge, I cut the closed edge to aquire the size I wanted.  Just cut off how ever much you want to get the size you need.  In my case, I cut it down to 6.25 inches.

That leaves me with an open ended bag on both ends which is fine if you are just using it to be a page.  However, if you want to be able to create a pocket, then you need to close that end off.

I chose to cut a bit of patterned paper to help me accomplish this purpose.  Cut a strip 3 inches by 5 inches. Score it down the middle.  Add adhesive to each side.  Adhere to to the end of the bag with the cut, folding over and adhering to the other side as well.  Use a bone folder to get a sharp crease.

Next, I cut strips of pattern paper 12 x 5, scored down the middle and folded them over for the remaining pages.  I cut the holes in the edge after it was folded over and simply stacked the pages and inserted binder rings.








Next, I used my 7 Gypsies Binderie to make holds for binding rings.  I centered the page on the Binderie and simple punched the two holds.  Limiting the number of holes eliminates there being a lot of issue with avoiding the punched holes in the rest of the design process.




After I did that it looked like this.





Then you just need to decorate to your hearts content!  If you make one, please share a link with me so I can check it out!